Multidimensional hydrodynamic focusing chamber

Abstract

Systems, including apparatus and methods, for the microfluidic manipulation, dispensing, and / or sorting of particles, such as cells and / or beads. The systems may include a shaped focusing chamber and / or a branched diverting mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES[0001]This application is based upon and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the following U.S. provisional patent applications: Ser. No. 61 / 874,320, filed Sep. 5, 2013; and Ser. No. 61 / 902,664, filed Nov. 11, 2013. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.INTRODUCTION[0002]The ability to perform molecular and cellular analyses of biological systems has grown explosively over the past several decades. In particular, the advent and refinement of molecular and cellular techniques, such as DNA sequencing, gene cloning, monoclonal antibody production, cell transfection, amplification techniques (such as PCR), and transgenic animal formation, have fueled this explosive growth. These techniques have spawned an overwhelming number of identified genes, encoded proteins, engineered cell types, and assays for studying these genes, proteins, and cell types. Unfortunately, as the number of possible combinations of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes systems and methods for manipulating, dispensing, and sorting particles like cells and beads using microfluidic technology. The systems include a shaped focusing chamber and a branched diverting mechanism. The technical effects of this invention include improved precision and accuracy in particle manipulation and sorting, which can be useful in various fields such as biological research and medical applications.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, as the number of possible combinations of samples, reagents, and assays becomes nearly incalculable, it has become increasingly apparent that novel approaches are necessary even to begin to make sense of this complexity, especially within reasonable temporal and monetary limitations.

However, this method is not accurate: aliquots may contain no cell, one cell, or multiple cells.

However, pick-and-place systems need to locate each cell and require significant time if moving a substantial number of cells.

Single cells also may be analyzed using flow cytometry, but this method is complex and expensive, and not set up for or intended to dispense single cells.

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